Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
AN eight-year-old Harare boy, who lost both eyes to cancer, is now cancer-free and thriving after surviving bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer that affects young children.
Tamuka was three-months-old when his parents noticed a white glow in one of his eyes, a symptom that doctors later confirmed as retinoblastoma.
To save his life, surgeons removed the affected eye, leaving the family devastated.
For a year, he retained sight in his remaining eye, but his parents became concerned when he began bumping into walls.
Further medical tests confirmed that the cancer had spread, resulting in bilateral retinoblastoma.
His parents sought advice from specialists in India by sending his scans abroad, but the doctors concluded that the second eye could not be saved.
The doctors advised immediate removal to prevent the cancer from spreading further, shifting the focus from preserving sight to saving his life.
He subsequently underwent 13 cycles of chemotherapy. KidzCan Zimbabwe, which supports children with cancer, assisted Tamuka and his family throughout the treatment process.
The organisation covered his clinical needs and provided support services at no cost. Today, Tamuka is in Grade 2 and living independently despite total loss of vision.
According to his mother, he walks on his own, plays with friends and can even ride a bicycle at home.
“Because of KidzCan, my son is alive and full of life. They gave us hope when we had none,” she said.
KidzCan said Tamuka’s recovery highlighted the importance of early detection and access to specialised treatment for childhood cancers in Zimbabwe.
The organisation has urged continued public support to ensure that more children receive lifesaving care.
